About Katzrin Talmudic Village

The Talmudic era is the period in the 4^th century when the Talmud, the Oral Torah of Jewish law was written by sages. It was during this period that the Jewish village of Katzrin (Qatzrin) existed. It was an agricultural community in the centre of the Golan Heights until it was destroyed by an earthquake in the mid-8^th century.

Reconstructed Talmudic Village

The Talmudic Village has been excavated and reconstructed out of the excavated remains as it would have been like in Talmudic times. The idea is to give visitors the chance to experience ancient life. Highlights include restored olive presses and a wine press. There is a fully reconstructed house furnished to be an authentic Talmudic home with household items either found in excavations or still used until recently by the local farmers. The village is brought to life by guides dressed up in ancient biblical garments.

Ancient Talmudic Synagogue

The Katzrin Synagogue was built in the 6^th century atop the remains of an earlier 4^th century synagogue. Fragments of a mosaic floor have been found. There are still two rows of columns left standing. The building would have had two stories and a roof. Two massive stone steps lead to the bimah (the raised stone platform) where the Torah ark would have stood. The walls were lined with original stone benches where worshippers would have sat.